Description
Delicious and healthy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe featuring tender chicken breasts filled with fresh asparagus spears and melted mozzarella or provolone cheese, seasoned with aromatic spices, seared for a golden crust, and finished by baking to juicy perfection. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure stuffed chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket with 3 asparagus spears and one slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each stuffed chicken breast for balanced flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which helps lock in juices and adds flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine before serving. Enjoy your flavorful asparagus and cheese stuffed chicken breasts hot.
Notes
- Make sure to not cut all the way through the chicken breasts when creating pockets to keep the filling inside.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella or provolone with your favorite melting cheese like Swiss or cheddar.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- To make preparation easier, you can trim the asparagus spears in advance.
